Beware the Ides
etc.
It's not every day someone says to me:
"wondered if you'd like to see my bucket of toads."
But today it happened:
Carol writes that she doesn't have "a witty explanation of why we have so many this year, it could be global warming, more likely it's that the cats have eaten all the frogs. But when I go down the garden every evening to feed the cats (untame ones) I take a bucket to remove the toads from the path and put them into the garden pond. I'm thinking of having a garden fete especially to play "guess how many toads in the bucket". Not much happens around here.
I'm also going to make up a place mat for my friend who's coming to dinner tonight - she hates toads."
On my desk this morning a colleague has placed a copy of a biography of a very famous person. I think we'll make it a competition prize. I'm curious to know, however, who you think it's about, from the quote on the back cover (this is not the competition, I'm just curious):
"(CELEBRITY NAME) is, quite simply, a phenomenon. She has probably brought more joy to more people than any other star of her generation."
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Is it sultry Kate O'Mara?
Eddie - It's Big Sister - innit?
Celebrity: Well she is still alive. And the term "of her generation" indicates that she is of advancing years. "more people" suggests that she is on television.
So I would say Cilla Black...or, in today's world, Jade Goody.
Caesar: Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music
Cry "Caesar!" Speak. Caesar is turn'd to hear.
Soothsayer: Beware the ides of March.
Beware of the bongs!
Is it someone from the "Muppets"?
Phenomenon du du du du du..
Phenomenon du du du du...
Oh dear.
Eddie,
I think it's Big Sister. Right?
The new Julie Andrews biography? Officially released a week today.
Or Jade Goody's. Due around Cristmas-time.
Si.
On second thoughts...Nicole Kidman.
Kylie ??
How about sausages in yorkshire pudding for your meal with your friend?
I've have only ever had a toad once, not to eat, but in the greenhouse. We get lots of frogs but no toads. Perhaps we could swap.
Oh... How deep do toads like the water in their ponds?
Kneedeep, kneedeep
Is it Carol Vorderman?
RJD - I've been rumbled! :o)
But, getting serious, would it be Liz Taylor? I'd have said that, over the years, she brought a lot of joy to her various husbands? In between the divorces, of course? I believe she may be the celebrity with the highest number of husbands.
Or it could be Zsa Zsa Gabor.
But, as it's Liz's 75th birthday, I would hazard a guess that it is she.
Am I right?
Is it Dame Edna writing of herself?
Is it Carol Vorderman?
A serious stab at... Dolly Parton?
Big Sis, forgive my lack of imagination but please could you explain your strapline? Trying to understand it is making me slightly more demented than usual!
btw, Thanks everyone who sent good wishes for my mother. It evidently worked: No more surgery required! Hurrah!!!!
Very Happy Appy, x.
Number of Toads:
On CBC 1 (Canada's ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio) a few weeks ago, they interviewed a biologist who had observed that squirrels always had larger litters in years which later proved to be bountiful nut-wise. In effect, the Squirrels could 'predict' when it was going to be a good year food-wise in the autumn, so had larger families in the Spring to increase the chances of survival.
It seems that the Squirrels, while eating nut-buds from the trees in the early spring, ingested higher amounts of the plant-growth hormone which simultaneously increased nut-yield but also triggered off higher fertility in the squirrels.
Perhaps the increase in the number of toads is a similar thing so maybe it will be a high-production year for toad food such as slugs, spiders, flying insects etc. So how does this relate to you? Prepare to buy more insect repellent and humane pesticides this summer.
I suspect that is the most boring message ever to have been written on here. Sorry about that, but I wanted to share the Squirrel story.
Darn it! I was going to say Jade Goody!
I mean lets face it, she truly is a phenomenom, and what joy she has brought to us all...
.....I hope you all know I am being ironic! :)
Actually Belinda, I found that very interesting. But also worrying. I'm off to the pharmacy!
Appy: Glad to hear about your mum and the success of the surgery. Re the strapline (for which I thank the Beeb), it's all in the initials, innit?
Big Sis - I was going to suggest Liz Taylor too, you beat me to it. Can't think of anyone else. Helen Mirren? I finally went to see the film on Tuesday.
Perhaps she should change her name to Jaded Goody...
Ooo, that's nasty.
Is it Tessa Jowell??
Did anyone hear this earlier in the week on Radio 4. Click on the link (Radio 4 realplayer stream and go to 4 mins in, just curious if we should adopt this Mexican law ?
Peter White talks to controversial commentator, Rush Limbaugh, about the prospect of losing his hearing. At the time he risked losing a contract worth over 20 million listeners. Has it changed his attitude to work? Or his political outlook on the disability lobby?
Appy - glad to hear your news :o)
I thought we'd already done the 'n' word thing ages ago... when that guy had that show somewhere.
I'm just so precise, ain't I?
Toads?
Best I can offer is frogspawn in the pond.
Appy - so glad to hear your good news.
D'oh! How dumb am I? Thanks Big Sis, and for your kind thoughts. I know today is International Book Day, but can it also be Froggers' "Aren't Mums Wonderful? Day"? I'm just so happy!
Is it Charlotte Green? quite simply, a phenomenon
Ann Widdecombe?
Peter White talks to controversial commentator, Rush Limbaugh, about the prospect of losing his hearing
I would much prefer it if Rush Limbaugh lost all methods of communication. Sorry to be cruel, but air-time shouldn't be given to people like that.
Simon (8) - spot on!
Simon (8) - spot on!
Glad you're Happy, Appy...I'm happy for you too!
A schoolfriend wrote in my autograph book donkey's years ago:
"Look after your Mother, cherish her with care;
For you never know her value 'til you see her empty chair"...
It's always stayed with me - I agree with you about acknowledging that Mums are wonderful (not sure my 18 year old daughter would agree wholeheartedly after one of my "If you don't help more around the house..." nagging sessions though!!)
xx
Glad you're Happy, Appy...I'm happy for you too!
A schoolfriend wrote in my autograph book donkey's years ago:
"Look after your Mother, cherish her with care;
For you never know her value 'til you see her empty chair"...
It's always stayed with me - I agree with you about acknowledging that Mums are wonderful (not sure my 18 year old daughter would agree wholeheartedly after one of my "If you don't help more around the house..." nagging sessions though!!)
xx
Aperitif - pleased for you about your Mum:-)
In memory of a friend who died a year ago and was famed for the following obscure answer to almost any question invovling an unknown person:
Is it Judith Chalmers?
RIP, Colin.
Aw shucks!
I can recall her whipping her clothes off in 'S.O.B.' The film which caused Johnny Carson to quip'"Thanks for showing us that the hills are still alive". It certainly brought a great deal of joy to my 18-year-old walking-hormone existence. The lengths that some people will go to to kill off a goody-two-shoes image.....
How does one receive pre-release copies of forthcoming books? Can you organise for me to get the next (and final!) Harry Potter before its official release please?
Si.
Appy,
I wuz even stupider! And Absolutely all the best to your Mum.
:-*
ed
502'd twice
Okay, Mr. Mayor (32) but which one? Or are you, or indeed this biography, suggesting that Ms. Andrews and Ms. Goody are one and the same person?
H.
Aw shucks!
I can recall her whipping her clothes off in 'S.O.B.' The film which caused Johnny Carson to quip'"Thanks for showing us that the hills are still alive". It certainly brought a great deal of joy to my 18-year-old walking-hormone existence. The lengths that some people will go to to kill off a goody-two-shoes image.....
How does one receive pre-release copies of forthcoming books? Can you organise for me to get the next (and final!) Harry Potter before its official release please?
Si.
Whoever it is cannot possibly bring more joy than yourself Eddie, although Paddy has been in touch again...
I've got a pair of mating frogs dead in my pond still clutching each other... so sad.. but what a way to go.
No-one could possibly be a greater bringer of joy than you Eddie, although I have just had another missive from Paddy...
Wish my mum was wonderful; her empty chair will leave me indifferent because she doesn't really like me.
Great Blog and Great Photo
HelenSparkles - Sorry to hear that; ideals are, sadly, idealistic
:o(
Jason, haven't seen you around for ages!
Welcome back to the bucket of frogs.
Fifi
Hey Appy,
really good news about your mum!
I'm sure in her own right a phenomenal woman!
is the answer Madame Cyn?
Beware the Ides? Indeed, but that's a couple of weeks away yet. As the rhyme goes:
"In March, July, October, May
The Ides fall on the fifteenth day
The Nones the seventh; all besides
Have two days less for Nones and Ides."
The first of the month in the Roman calendar is called the Kalends. So today would be Kalendae Martii AD2007. (or just Kal. Mart.). NB - this is nothing to do with Wal-Mart.
The Roman calendar is rather complicated - they counted the days before the next milestone, and counted inclusively - except for the day before which is 'pridie'. So yesterday was pridie Kalendae Martii, or prid. Kal. Mart., and tomorrow is six (not five) days before the Nones, and would be written as a.d. VI Non. Mart. (ante diem sextilis Nonae Martii)
The Romans usually referred to a year by the names of the Consuls for that year - later some Roman scholars adopted "ab urbe condita" (a.u.c) - the years since the traditional founding of Rome in 753BCE. So 2007 would be reckoned as a.u.c. 2760.
Here endeth the lesson. I hope you've been taking notes because there may be a test.
Re: The n-word...
Once upon an evening dreary,
While I listened, weak and weary,
To many a quaint and curious piece,
On the PM prog,
While I nodded, nearly dozing,
Bored by politicians' Brown-nosing,
Suddenly there came a talking,
With all the smarts of Stephen Hawking,
As Eddie Mair, ideas a-flocking,
Quipped and jested and gave a rollicking,
Cry of "What's the score?"
"You come on here and talk this drivel,
"While I must sit and be so civil,
"As you minimise a great upheaval,
"As being caused by the party before,
"Enough!" he said, "Get out the door,
"Go forth!" he said, "And spin no more,
"My listeners want to hear your lies,
"Nevermore!"
(With apologies to Eddie Poe)
Fifi (48): the hiccups got too much and I was suffering too much bloggus interruptus to make contributing anything incoherant worthwhile. I half expect my presence to bring the darn thing down again!
RAH Rah RAH! The inoxydable feline!
Two malicious warnings received after an interminable wait!
Magic - well done SSC
Now I think a couple of days ago I and other froggers upset Eddie by either forgetting or unintentionally not listening to PM
As an experiment and because it's instant, unlike this blog, please leave any comments about tonight's programme at the glass box below.
Don't be too nasty though!
I know I haven't blogged before but the most exciting thing happened today. Our pet tadpole (Fred) has hatched out of his egg & is now proceeding to eat it.When he's big enough we might send a photo, but for now he just looks like an ant.
Good to see eddie 33 34 must get the dreaded error messages/ screen hangings or does he just like to make his point?
Or does he just like to make his point.?
RAH Rah RAH! The inoxydable feline!
Two malicious warnings received, each after an interminable wait!
And now a 502!
and another!
and another!
and another!
and another!
...Baroness Thatcher?
Miss Pooh Bear - Welcome to the Frog... I hope your taddy doesn't actually look like an ant, as this would indicate he/she has far too many legs, and it's far too early for him/her to have any legs at all!!
Frog Expert
:o)
xx
But it must be the inimitable EDITH MAIR!
Welcome pooh bear, stick around but don't get stuck in any honey jars - sorry couldn't resist.
Thanks Chris the Pickle, lots of other people do like me, and I'm not bitter!
Thank you everyone, I am actually having a few tears at all the good wishes -- and a kiss from Ed, wow! And welcome back Chris the P. and, oh, what a wonderful day it is today!! (I have doen bu**er all work, but hey...)
:-)
Thank you!
A, xxxxxx.
Oh, Appy!
(great big hug)
Ap - I've been out all day - Great news.
And if Ed I can do it, so can I.
:-*
RJD
Here, to help celebrate the good news about Appy's mum, is a joke I heard on 5Live the other night. The fact that it's about cows is nothing whatsover to do with Appy or her mum - it's more to do with the fact that I can only ever remember short jokes (though you can make this long if you like by adding Colourful Details).
There are two cows in a field. One says to the other 'D'you know, I'm really worried about that mad cow disease.'
'Pfuff' says the other. 'I'll be all right. I'm a helicopter.'
A third attempt:-
Excellant news, Appy. All the best to your mother (and you as well, of course). By the way, you butter your work?
H.x
Just popped in after a fraught day-and- a-half to say:
Aperitif - fantastic x
Simon Worrall - well done
Big Sis - great strapline
Jason Good - nice to see you again
Roberto - great comment
SSC - brilliant
Miss Pooh Bear - welcome
Now I'm going to wind-down at the Beach.
LadyPen
Hellooooo!
I would never have guessed Julie Andrews.
Helen I want to know what's going on between you and Paddy. It must be something really interesting as you haven't disclosed the contents of this missive!
Mary
I'm SURE it's Julie Andrews!
Appy - glad to hear your good news.
And here's a joke my daughter claims to have made up at school today:
Why did Captain Hook cross the road?
To go to the second-hand shop
I'll get her coat........
Ed (59) I'll get my coat on the way out...
Man City v Wigan tomorrow. Expect fireworks if City lose.
Thanks Appy... More hugs to add to the big pile of fluffy ones.
Jason G - I take it you support the Sky Blues? My hubby does, and is always surprised and upset when they lose... I, on the other hand, always wonder whether the opposition actually turned up if they win!!!! ;o)
Anyway, bed-time for moi so Goodnight All
Pretty dreams
xx
Thank you again.
A, x.
Madmary! Nice to *see* you:-)
Yes - Helen do tell about you and Paddy.
Are you the same Helen BH listener who has refused the offer to go on the programme, as mentioned in the newsletter?
Appy - that is cheering news. And Jonnie (56) - I WAS only joking...:o)
Ed, Aunt D, Gillian:
Thanks, glad you liked it.
Appy: That's good news, I'm happy for you both!
Ladypen:
The version I heard of that joke went:
Cow 1: What do you think of this mad cow disease then?
Cow 2: Flippin'eck! A talking cow!
RJD (70) - if that was meant to be a Leslie Phillips(sp?)-type 'Helloooooo' complete with slimeball leer, I really wish you wouldn't . . . (If on the other hand it was just jumpyuppydowny with pleasure and delight, that's all right.)
:-)
Ho ho (SSC 79).
I am glad you liked my photo (toads - it woz me). It was fitting that it was accompanied by the biography question, as, if it is the case that it is Julie Andrews, as a twenty year old I used to get very annoyed by being compared to her!
On an amphibian continuing note... how do you get just one tadpole egg out of a whole wobbly mass of jelly..... I was a bit concerned about the frost killing off any toad spawn, but for the amount of toads and the boiling mess going on in the pond, there's no sign of spawn yet
LadyPen
I can assure you that it was the jumpyuppydowny with pleasure and delight!
My Leslie Phillips proved vey unproductive so I put it back it in its box. I've given Charles Dance an airing though.
sad news:( we think one of our other tadpoles is dead :(
good news:) Fred's fine.
Lee Vitout:
Scrolling back this morning - I realise I missed you yesterday!
Were you flashing your torso? I'm flashing a smile .....
Glad you're still around!
Otto's mummy - getting one egg out of the mass was more by luck than intent. I hadn't realised how incredibly sticky-together the eggs were. (Miss pooh bear is a member of this household, btw). I'm a bit worried that we may have put all our eggs in one basket, so to speak, with Fred. If he dies - well - there will be dramatics! We had another container with 4 eggs in, but one stopped developing, & the other 3 died this am. About the size of commas, but still - they were potential pets, in her eyes. The whole thing is a bit weird to see, frankly. Like having aliens in the house - especially the rate of development. (SO said "Of course, any tadpole of ours is going to be very advanced"- smugly)
Aperitif - sorry - I hadn't got round to saying how glad I was to hear your mum's good news. My mother has had 2 bouts of radiotherapy in her life, for different cancers, but is still quite well at 77. I don't think it's the most fun thing to have done, but compared to chemotherapy I think it's ok. I wish your mother all the best for her treatment, anyway,and to you.
Belinda
I loved it. Do not consider your input as boring.
More thank yous to all of you. Mother has just left me a voicemail saying what a lovely day it is so she is clearly feeling fine and dandy (I wonder how "feeling dandy" manifests? The wearing of extravagant, well-tailored clothing perhaps?...)
Annasee, thanks for that. She's not worried about the radiotherapy at all (especially as Eddie's going to do it -- we know how good he is ;-)), and insists she's only having it to "humour the medics". Glad to hear your Mum is fit and well too.
Aperitif
May I too add my good wishes for you and your mum - you must be glad for the cheering news!
nikki
xx
PS Humph (68), Doesn't everyone? It makes it flow much more smoothly... ;-)
Ap
There are that many threads going that I'm not too sure where to place this.
Admin Annie is having problems posting on the Blog but managed to place this on Jonnie's site:
"It's so frustrating. I wouldn't mind but the one important message was to Appy to say how pleased I was about her Mum, - such a relief. Could one of you successful froggers pass this on when next you frog after noticing this please"
Thank you Admin Annie and messenger RJD.
A, x.
RJD (82) -
Phew.
Charles Dance doesn't Do It for me, either (though if he were the only opportunity available I might make an exception). Now if you were talking Trevor Eve or Terence Stamp (those EYES!) . . .
xx
LadyPen